vireo

[ vir-ee-oh ]

noun

, plural vir·e·os.

1. any of several small, insectivorous American birds of the family Vireonidae, having the plumage usually olive-green or gray above and white or yellow below.

vireo

/ ˈvɪrɪəʊ /

noun

1. any insectivorous American songbird of the family Vireonidae, esp those of the genus Vireo, having an olive-grey back with pale underparts

Word History and Origins

Origin of vireo¹

1825–35; < New Latin; Latin vireō (Pliny), probably the greenfinch, derivative of virēre to be green

Word History and Origins

Origin of vireo¹

C19: from Latin: a bird, probably a greenfinch; compare virēre to be green

Example Sentences

But birds that are more sensitive to temperatures — and those whose prey can’t stand the heat — might suffer under persistent warming, such as yellow warblers and Bell’s vireos.

From Los Angeles Times

Once teetering on extinction, the least Bell’s vireo is making a comeback in areas along the Los Angeles River, including a bustling park in northeast L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

Once teetering on extinction, the least Bell’s vireo is making a comeback in areas along the Los Angeles River, including a bustling park in northeast L.A.

From Los Angeles Times

The arrival of warblers, vireos and other colorful birds last week has excited Britain’s twitching community — enthusiastic bird-watchers who will travel long distances to view new or unusual species.

From New York Times

The pair once spent a week combing brushy hills and mesas in the Grapevine Mountains on the eastern edges of Death Valley in hopes of spotting an elusive and rarely seen gray vireo.

From Los Angeles Times